A whale of a difference

Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos

It is a rare privilege given by Cebu Daily News to have this precious platform which has made a whale of a difference to our end goal to protect our only home blue planet.

I caught a bug while on holiday in chilly-but-so inspiring London, recently declared as the most sustainable city to live in the world (Arcadis’ 2018 Sustainable Cities Index).

Being bed-ridden gave me the opportunity to read the 2018’s best-selling book, Michelle Obama’s memoir, “Becoming”.

It is a straightforward account of the former US First Lady’s life as a child and as a woman, who happen to be black, and becoming a person of great influence in her personal capacity, as a mother of Malia and Sasha, and as the wife and partner of former US President Barack Obama.

“Becoming” is a story of hope and of rising above society’s set assumptions about people and race and of becoming who you want to be and how you can connect and open doors for other people, especially the marginalized, to shine and maximize their potentials.

I especially love Michelle’s quote, “For every door that’s been opened to me, I’ve tried to open my door to others.”

It is most fitting for this au revoir edition of my column.

“Mindfully Greenie” is intended to reach out to as many, including key policy makers and stakeholders, to take action to nurture and save our dear natural heritage from humanity’s savage claws.

It shared with our readers glimpses of the painful and sad experiences of those affected by ecologically destructive policies and programs of government, whether local or national.

It shared the fisherfolks’ hopes and triumphs and in seeing their dreams realized with the return of abundant catch when fisheries laws are enforced, the honor and pride of community and government leaders recognized for their courageous protection of nature and communities, and the compassionate hearts for the voiceless of some of those holding powerful positions.

When Ms. Eileen Mangubat, then publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Cebu Daily News, asked me to write a pioneering column focused on environment, almost twelve years ago, I readily said yes. Best decision ever.

Thanks, Eileen!

This was during the mindless offshore drilling for oil in Tañon Strait where years later, the Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional.

Saying “yes” meant absolute commitment to write weekly to open minds and hearts and for more to be formidable stewards of our vastly threatened planet.

But, who would dare turn down the opportunity, when our voiceless Mother Nature and our vulnerable communities needed more passionate defenders in our midst?

It is a rare privilege given by Cebu Daily News to have this precious platform which has made a whale of a difference to our end goal to protect our only home blue planet.

I am grateful for the opportunities given not just me but our advocacy for sustainable management of our resources.

This impacts not just this generation but those living after us.

Surely – we cannot fail them.

Thanks to our readers and to each of our hard-working Cebu Daily News family led by Ms. Edra Benedicto.

Happy holidays, everyone!